back for over a
mile and a half and holding her leg so that you saved her pain. I take
off my hat to you, Miss Casey. You have the nerve and strength of a man."
"I don't see," said Uncle John, "how in the name of heaven you managed to
raise her, wounded as she was, upon your back--let alone bringing her
through the pouring rain a dark night like this. Why! it's been a regular
thunder shower. I'm glad that her mother knows nothing of it."
Nora sighed. She was very tired. Miss Kate came forward and put her arm
around her.
"My dear, you are an honor to the Camp Fires. We owe a vote of thanks to
this brave girl," and taking Nora's face between her hands she kissed her
affectionately.
"I've done nothing wonderful," replied Nora simply, taking her sweater
from Patty Sands. "Luckily I heard her moan and found her. I couldn't go
away and leave her helpless and alone in a blinding storm, and two men
waiting to seize her." Then she told Ethel's story of the conversation
that she had overheard.
"Nor could we stay in the woods over night alone."
A buckboard appeared and Mrs. Hollister jumped out. She had heard of the
accident through Mr. Adams and had made him bring her up.
After seeing Ethel for a few moments she rushed out and threw her arms
about Nora.
"You are a dear brave girl," she sobbed, kissing her. "You have saved
Ethel's life. Never while I live shall I forget it."
"Nor I," broke in Uncle John, grasping the hands of the girl. "Miss Nora,
you're a fine young woman and you're father has cause to be proud of his
daughter."
"Miss Nora," ejaculated Harvey, "allow me to congratulate you. You're a
dead game sport," and he wrung her hands heartily, after which Teddy Kip
grasped her by the arm saying:
"Why, Miss Casey, you're a regular Scout--you are, and no mistake."
Nora smiled faintly.
"Thank you all," she said. "I am very tired. I think I shall go to bed.
Good night."
CHAPTER X
A HEROINE
So Nora Casey became the heroine of the Camp. An account of her bravery
was in all the papers and the entire Camp was written up. The once
neglected and disliked girl was now in a fair way to be spoiled. But
Nora could not be spoiled. She was too sensible.
"I say, Miss Nora," exclaimed Harvey the next day, "I don't think I'd
dare marry a woman with your strength. You'd put me to shame."
Nora laughed good naturedly.
"Quit yere blarney," she said.
As for Ethel, she couldn't bear to let Nora
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